Kim Soo Hyun’s K-drama Knock-Off halted amid dating scandal with Kim Sae-ron; actor faces hefty penalty: Report

Kim Soo Hyun’s K-drama Knock-Off halted amid dating scandal with Kim Sae-ron; actor faces hefty penalty: Report

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun, best known for his role in Queen of Tears, is facing a major career setback amid his alleged dating scandal involving late actress Kim Sae-ron. The controversy has not only sparked public outrage but also appears to have deeply impacted his professional commitments.

According to a report by SPOTV News, the production of Kim Soo Hyun’s highly anticipated Disney+ K-drama Knock-Off has been put on indefinite hold. The filming pause has reportedly been communicated to the cast and crew, though no new schedule has been confirmed. The drama’s release has also been delayed without a new premiere date.

The show had garnered significant attention for its grand scale and storyline, revolving around the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and the rise of counterfeit markets. Featuring Kim Soo Hyun alongside Jo Bo Ah, the series was set to span 18 episodes with a staggering production budget of ₩60 billion KRW (approximately $42 million USD). Kim Soo Hyun’s reported fee alone stood at ₩9 billion KRW (around $6.29 million USD).

Amid the turmoil, industry insiders have hinted at potential breach-of-contract penalties that could soar as high as ₩180 billion KRW (around $126 million USD)—three times the production cost. While these figures remain unconfirmed, they reflect the magnitude of the financial implications at stake.

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The controversy stems from accusations made by Kim Sae-ron’s family, alleging that Kim Soo Hyun had dated her when she was underage and manipulated her emotionally. During a recent press conference, Soo Hyun acknowledged their relationship but claimed it began only after she reached the legal age. He further stated that the allegations and chat screenshots shared by her family were fabricated and that he intends to clear his name.

As Knock-Off’s future hangs in the balance, Kim Soo Hyun’s legal and public battle continues to unfold, putting his once-sterling reputation and career on uncertain ground.